Philippians 4:8- “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.”
In today’s social climate there are many distractions looming over us, to divert our attention away from Jesus. From political groups, race and hate mongering among the body of Christ. In times of uncertainty the scriptures say to focus on truth, nobility being just and pure. All the characteristics in the aforementioned verse in Philippians 4:8, are the qualities of YAH. All truth, virtue and most importantly he’s praiseworthy. One thing no man in the flesh can lay claim to regardless of what they say or do.
Trust in the Most High, and use discernment throughout your day. Shifting through this world to find Christ, Shalom
Scripture Study-Mark 10: verses 46 through 52, “Now they came to Jericho. As He went out of Jericho with His disciples and a great multitude, blind Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, sat by the road begging. And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out and say, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” Then many warned him to be quiet; but he cried out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!”So Jesus stood still and commanded him to be called. Then they called the blind man, saying to him, “Be of good cheer. Rise, He is calling you.” And throwing aside his garment, he rose and came to Jesus. So Jesus answered and said to him, “What do you want Me to do for you?” The blind man said to Him, “Rabboni, that I may receive my sight.” Then Jesus said to him, “Go your way; your faith has made you well.” And immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus on the road.
Mark chapter 10, verses 46 through 52 is a testimony of faith and fervent persistent prayer, despite what others will say. The man Bartimaeus, although he was blind, was the only one who could truly see who Jesus Christ is. This same issue falls on the body of Christ, as in having the Holy Spirit we can recognize the divine nature of Christ, the power to forgive sin and be made whole.
Persistence in prayer is another key. In a world where we look to men or politics to be the answer to our needs, we as believers know that Jesus and only Jesus is the way to escape hardship, heartache and the pain in this world. As in Matthew chapter 11 verses 28, all who are labor and heavy laden he will give them all rest, if we have the faith to believe. And lastly, to set aside the naysayers.
Romans 16 verse 17, states “Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them.” Never allow others to discourage your desire to seek and find YAH for needs or questions that you have. We are His children, and as with all children we need the guidance of our guardians in times of need, Shalom…
Luke 17 verse 5 and 6 is a testimony that the little faith that we come to the Lord with is enough to work wonders. The Apostles asked Jesus for more when the faith they had already received was enough to uproot trees and move mountains (Mark 11:23). We believe that it’s our Faith, it’s really where that faith is placed, and that is in the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Colossians 2:10 reads, “and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power.” Our faith isn’t measured by how big or small but rather on do we have faith? In that, we are granted access to all principality and power. Which covers all hardships (Psalm 34:19) health concerns (Matthew 4:23) finances (Philippians 4:19), Shalom…
Ecclesiastes 1:9, “What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again.”
The above scripture speaks to the natural restoration of the will of YAH in your life. Though trials and tribulations will come, everything will be once again restored. This is encouraging for those in hard times, in that though we may be in a predicament right now we will be once again in the joyfulness of Christ. The enemy can only operate under a standard determined by the Most High (Isaiah 59 verse 19). Though hard times will come, they will not persist under the blood of Jesus.
Romans 8:18 through 25 reads, For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it in hope; because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now. Not only that, but we also who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body. For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance,” Shalom…
James 2:24, “You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only.”
Faith in the cross of Jesus Christ will always manifest as works in the life of believers. Imagine having great and exciting news and not being overjoyed by what it means and not sharing with others. Knowing that our sins and inevitable triumph over death should reinvigorate our spirit each and everyday producing a positive outlook on life, giving to others and the sharing of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. These are the same great works that Jesus produced during his earthly ministry. Despite being hated, shunned and eventually crucified that in the end would triumph and be anointed by YAH. I urge everyone to produce great works in Christ, knowing that we too have been proven worthy by accepting his sacrifice! Shalom…
Romans 8:6, “For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.”
Being spiritually minded is the goal for all disciples of Jesus Christ. At times, living by the spirit can be a daunting task. The Bible however outlines three ways to be devoted to the most High. Number one, live for him. Philippians 1 verse 27 states, “Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of your affairs, that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel.” The scriptures say to let your conduct be worthy in His eyes. Carrying yourself with dignity, respect and love.
Number two, showcase the gifts of the spirit in your everyday life. Galatians 5 verse 22-23 reads, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” Letting these actions and emotions govern your attitudes and response to others. Being a peacekeeper sets us apart from the outside world, and showcases the perfect peace that a life in Jesus brings.
And lastly number three, feed off the word of YAH. Romans 12 verse 2, “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” Study the scriptures by reading the Bible to strengthen our faith and reinforce our faith. Being spiritually minded in short keeps our minds on YAH the Most High. Allowing us to rest totally in his presence, Shalom…
Philippians 4:8-9, “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.”
The Holy Bible defines earthly peace with first finding peace with YAH. Having a mindset that is focused on ethical truth, in honest nobility which attracts respect. This means being truthful and noble, bringing respect to our character and our love for Christ. In being just which is to rightly reward others. With purity we adhere to His divine holiness, lovely and of good report being praiseworthy. By renewing our minds daily and focusing on Christ and these measures the peace of the Most High will shine on all of us, Shalom…
2 Thessalonians 2:9, “Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders.”
Having fundamental belief in the Holy Bible is very crucial in these end times. Not only faith in the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus but also of Satan’s endgame plan the Anti-Christ. A vast majority of the world believe or have heard the Gospel message but many are only expecting a returning Christ and not first the Antichrist arrival on the world scene. The lying wonders of the Devil’s avatar will cause many to place their faith in Him, and war with the real Christ once He returns after with the saints.
The lying wonders will be reminiscent of the miracles Jesus accomplished during his earthly ministry. Healings (Matt 15:30), raising the dead (Mark 5:21 through 43) and possibly power over the elements (Mark 4:35 through 41). The difference between Jesus and the Antichrist, is that the false messiah will claim these miracles for himself instead of giving YAH the glory.
Jesus Christ states in John 10:25-38, “Jesus answered them, “I told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in My Father’s name, they bear witness of Me. Butyou do not believe, because you are not of My sheep, as I said to you. My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father’s hand. I and My Father are one.”
Jesus will come in YAH’s name to bring his kingdom unto the Earth. The other to bring destruction in his, Shalom.
Galatians 2:20, “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.”
Imagine if Jesus Christ walked the Earth today? Imagine the healing, knowledge and spiritual revelation available to all those who made contact with him. Having a life submitted to YAH through Christ in essence is that. Being crucified with Christ and putting aside our own mindset so the Holy Spirit can guide us gives us the opportunity to act as his avatars in the natural world.
1 Corinthians 12:8-10, To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits,to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues.
While operating in the Spirit blesses this world, a life in Christ matters most to the individual. In having being saved from sin and death, and the grace to share with others, Shalom…
Proverbs 25:2, “It is the glory of God to conceal a matter, But the glory of kings is to search out a matter.”
Why would an omnipresent God conceal issues concerning his creation? Why is their glory for us in searching out these things? The answer for us is to walk by faith and not by sight. At times when hardships and uncertainty comes our way, the Lord wants us to totally rely on him and trust in his edification process. It’s not to hide the truth from us, but for us to place our trust totally in him.
Trusting in YAH builds up our faith, providing more revelation of who we are in him. Imagine being given the answers to all life’s problems without having to pray, fast and depend on the Holy Spirit to guide us. Our faith will never grow in the Most High. Remember the next time we meet with the unknown, look to the cross to search out the matter, Shalom.